Tag: mutt lynch winery

  • A Message About the Wine Label Contest

     

    Black_and_white_photo_of_dogs_in_vineyard

     

    Boom Boom, Tunka, and Bella at Ankida Ridge Vineyard by C.W. Vrooman, 2012

    Regular readers of Dog Art Today know that for the past three years March kicks off our annual wine label contest with Mutt Lynch Winery.  After comparing notes about scalability and our own pet projects Brenda Lynch and I have decided not to go forward with the contest. 

    I am so grateful to Chris and Brenda Lynch for saying yes to me when I proposed the idea back in 2008.  In many ways it led to my new life in Northern California.  I am also grateful to all the artists who submitted work.  When we created the contest we wondered if we would get any submissions.  It was a privilege to have so many of you share your work and get the vote out.

    Also, we are so proud to go out on a high note: Nancy Schutt’s “Out of Reach” received the gold medal (think of it as the Best in Show) in the wine label category of this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, where over 5,000 wines compete.

    Congratulations, too, to wine label designer, Rae Huestis, who took the winning works and made them label ready, crowd pleasing, and award winning.

    Brenda Lynch has put together a lovely Mutt Lynch Artist Series Gift Box.  It is available here.

    Thank you, Brenda and Chris Lynch, and Ann Joly for making the contest a reality.

    Cheers!

  • Studio Spotlight: Nancy Schutt

    Nancy _Pablo_profile_photo
    Nancy Schutt and her Chihuahua Pablo

    Seattle-based artist Nancy Schutt is the winner of this year's Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog Art Today Wine Label Contest with her entry "Out of Reach."  Nancy has a BFA from Colorado State University and an MFA from the University of Oregon.  Before devoting herself to painting dogs, she was courtroom artist, a drawing instructor, and a general contractor.  She will be joining us at this year's Mutt Lynch Winery Dog Days of Summer event in Sonoma on August 6, 2011 to unveil the wine that was inspired by her winning entry.  She will also be selling prints, sketching dogs, and signing bottles of "Out of Reach."  To me, Nancy is one of the most inspiring dog artists working today.  I think her use of color, composition, and, most of all, humor, are simply brilliant.  I am so pleased to share her work and her process with you in this studio spotlight.    — Moira McLaughlin.

    How did you get started as a dog artist?

    If one wants to be an artist, it's very difficult figuring out what to do with that desire and how to make a living with it.  I started out painting metaphorical images that came to me (some of which are in my Early Work Gallery on my website), but one day I did a watercolor of my sister's dogs, and my mother said, "Honey, you could make money doing this."  Magic words to an artist!  I painted the dogs of my friends and had a show at a small gallery in Seattle, and people called me asking for paintings of their dogs.  I showed in cafes for years to get commissions.  Now I primarily get business through my website, and often never meet the dogs or people.

    Tell me about your studio.

    I built this studio in my backyard ten years ago.  I mean I built it with hammer and nails and the help of two teenagers.  No rent!

    Nancy_schutt_studio

     

    Nancy's studio

    What is your favorite medium and why?

    Acrylic on canvas or board.  I like how it dries quickly and I can rework an area fairly soon.   I like the vividness of the color.   I like that though it is not entirely benign, acrylic paint is fairly non-toxic, and because it is water based, I use no solvents.

    How would you describe your art?

    Colorful, playful, humorous.  Hockneyesque.  David Hockney is my favorite painter.  My initial goal was to paint dogs like David Hockney paints interiors, or swimming pools, or landscapes.  It shows, but now the paintings dictate themselves rather than strive to be similar to those of another artist.

    I am most concerned with color and composition.  The dogs are a wonderful vehicle for allowing me to create color compositions that have meaningful content as well as energetic color relationships.  For me, the dogs are important and portraying them in all of their uniqueness is the main purpose of the paintings, but I spend most of my time on a painting working out the color composition.  Colors are capable of creating a three dimensional illusion just by their relationships to each other.  To the human eye, colors may reach forward or extend back into a painting, and this motion creates a pulsation of energy in the painting.  That is the heartbeat of the painting, and making it visible, rhythmic, harmonious, enticing, is the ultimate objective for me.

     

    Nancy_schutt_heidi

     

    Heidi, with a hint of David Hockney

    Please share three of your favorite pieces and why you chose them.

    I chose these three because they are some of my most recent works, and two of them incorporate people, which is a new direction for me.  Also, the one entitled Bob, Fay, and Polo is a portrait of one of my favorite artists, Fay Jones, who lives and works in Seattle and whose work I greatly admire.

    Nancy_schutt_rebel

     

    Rebel

    Nancy_schutt_lynn

     

    Lynn, Bertie, and Pia

    Nancy_schutt_fay_jones

     

    Bob, Fay, and Polo

    You have over 30 "bad" dogs on your website.   How did you select which one to submit to the Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog Art Today Wine Label Contest with the theme of "naughty" this year?

    I was working on a series of paintings of dogs doing things that I found humorous, though to them they are just being dogs. Then, I actually painted Out of Reach specifically for the contest, based on a similar painting I did previously.  Of course in Out of Reach, the dog isn't after the wine, which kind of amused me too, since we humans would find the wine a more valuable prize.  So it's just a bit askew that this image is for a wine label with a dog theme, but to the dog it's all about the butter.

    My Chihuahua, Pablo, always amuses me how he tries to get his nose up to counter top level where things are happening.  But, no matter the effort behind the stretch, he can only reach so far.  That doesn't stop him from trying again next time!  Dogs are pretty hilarious really, so like us in their behaviors but with none of the subterfuge, or shame, or concern for polite company.  Their blatant efforts to get what they want without hiding their true intentions can be very funny.  To a human, crawling under a table for a micro-crumb of cookie or rummaging through garbage might feel a bit degrading, even if we really wanted something that was there.  To a dog it's the most sensible thing in the world to just go after it.  I had a dog before Pablo who was CRAZY for balls.  I can't imagine having to be so forceful in my NO MOREs with a human who was after me to do something for them.  It used to crack me up how insistent she was even after strong rejections.

     

    Nancy_schutt_mutt_lynch_wine

     

    Out of Reach, Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog Art Today's 2011 winning wine label entry

    What are your thoughts about winning the contest?

    So fun!  What a treat to have one's artwork on a wine label!  And as a person running a small business, it's wonderful marketing and exposure for me.  The wine isn't available in Washington State, so I will do what I can to help find a distributor and hopefully see it on the shelves of some of my favorite shops.  And many thanks to you, Moira, for the brilliant idea of having this contest and to Mutt Lynch Winery for making it a reality.  The contest has brought many artists out into the public eye.

    Would you like to share any upcoming projects or goals for the future?

    I have recently been interested in painting multiple dog portraits that include the humans in the painting. Personal environments have always been a part of my paintings, which I think it part of what makes my work unique.  The humans are certainly a part of that environment too, and including them brings another level of interest to the piece.

    Otherwise, it's always the same project — trying to make a living as an artist.  I will continue primarily doing commissioned paintings, but I will soon be offering a new line of prints on my website which will be much less expensive than anything I am currently offering.  It would be wonderful to create more wine labels! And always in my mind is the idea of a book, but it's still brewing.

    And finally, is your Chihuahua and muse, Pablo, named after a famous artist?

    Yes, a verrrrry famous artist.

    Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your work.  You are a true inspiration to all dog artists, including me.

    Mutt Lynch Dog Days of Summer:

    Date: August 6, 2011
    Time:  11:00am – 4:00pm
    Ticket Price: $20 if purchased online here before August 4.  $25.00 at the door.  A portion of admission and sales will benefit the Healdsburg Animal Shelter
    Location: 602 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg, CA 95448
    Dogs on leashes are welcome

    For more information visit Mutt Lynch Winery.

    To order a bottle or case of Out of Reach after it is released on August 6, 2011 click here.

    Visit Seattle dog artist Nancy Schutt's website.

    Photo of  Nancy and Pablo by Seattle family photographer Anita Nowacka.

  • The Great Escape by Betsy Doody

     

    Betsy_doody

     

    The Great Escape by Betsy Doody

    My sincerest apologies to Michigan artist, Betsy Doody.  She submitted this painting of naughty dogs to the 2011 Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog Art Today Wine Label contest and I thought I never received it.  But yesterday I was cleaning out my inbox and I discovered it.  I feel terrible that it was not included and wanted to share it with you as a small consolation to her.   Thank you for entering, Betsy.  I'm sorry.

    Next year I will make sure all artists know they receive an email from me to confirm that I have received their work.

    See more of Besty Doody's paintings at Canineart.com.

     

  • VOTE for the 2011 Wine Label Contest

     

    ***2011 Winner Announced! CLICK HERE to see results ***

     

    Please scroll down to view all 101 entries for the Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog Art Today Wine Label Contest.  CLICK HERE to vote.  One computer, one vote.

     

    {Voting ends Saturday, May 21 at midnight PST.  The top 10 finalists will be announced Monday, May 23. The judges, Brenda Lynch of Mutt Lynch Winery, Moira McLaughlin of Dog Art Today, and Rae Huestis, label designer, will select the winner who will be announced on Wednesday May 25.}

     

    Jaime_Ellsworth_3

     

    1.)  Red Ball by Jaime Ellsworth

    Gwen_card_2

     

    2.)  Being Cheeky by Gwen Card

    Kit_Cutting_2

     

    3.)  Car Ride by Kit Cutting

    Elizabeth_St_Hilaire_Nelson_2

     

    4.)  Mischievous by Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson

    Susan_roseman_2

     

    5.)  Artie by Susan Roseman

    Laurie_Gilmour_2

     

    6.)  It Wasn't Me, You Believe Me – Don't You? by Laurie Gilmour

    Michelle_caldwell_2

     

    7.)  Everyone's Gotta Have a Hobby by Michelle Caldwell

    Westie-on-Topiary-Chair_2

     

    8.)  Westie on Topiary Wingback by Michelle Masters

    Cathy_Lester_2

     

    9.)  I'm Sorry by Cathy Lester

    Willow_Muir_2

     

    10.)  artwork by Willow Muir

    Lucy_tyler_1

     

    11.)  Suspicious by Lucy Tyler

    Madeleine_burke_2

     

    12.)  artwork by Madeleine Burke

    Nancy_schutt_2

     

    13.)  Out of Reach by Nancy Schutt

    Brandis_sarich_2

     

    14.)  Oops! by Brandis L. Sarich

    Nancy_bailey_2

     

    15.)  Wash Day by Nancy J. Bailey

    Claudine_Sleik_2

     

    16.)  Just Jak by Claudine Sleik

    Jennifer_ettinger_3

     

    17.)  Boston Terror by Jennifer Ettinger

    Dean-Russo_2

     

    18.)  Ms. Understood by Dean Russo

    Lisa_Cohen_2

     

    19.)  Luna by Lisa Cohen

    Darlene_Payton_2

     

    20.)  Contrite Pug by Darlene Payton

    Michelle_chambers

     

    21.)  artwork by Michelle Chambers

    Tracy_Cullimore_2

     

    22.)  Uhoh by Tracy Owen Cullimore

    Julie_gourgues

     

    23.)  Naughty Nigel by Julie Gourgues

    Mary_beacon

     

    24.)  artwork by Mary Beacon

    Carollynn_nesbitt

     

    25.)  Sad Eyes Over Spilt Wine by Carol Lynn Nesbitt

    Janet_harrold

     

    26.)  Ty, Smooth Tasting and Rich in AntiBOXERdents by Janet Harrold

    MATTHEW_ROSE_2

     

    27.)  A Perfect Friend by Matthew Rose

    Marion_evamy

     

    28.)  Naughty Petunia by Marion Evamy

    Jill_Beninato

     

    29.)  artwork by Jill Beninato

    Russell_steinert

     

    30.)  Hors d'oeuvres by Russell Steinert

    Kc_kennedy

     

    31.)  Guilty?! by KC Kennedy

    Ginger_Oliphant

     

    32.)  Bull Headed by Ginger Oliphant

    Joanna_gooder

     

    33.)  Life is a Cabernet/Life is a Cabernet my friend!/California Dreamin’/Cabernet takes you away!/Cabernet S’il Vous Plait! by Joanna Gooder

    Minna_Nix

     

    34.)  To Wine or Not to Wine, That is the Question by Minna Nix

    Dana_Feagin

     

    35.)  Hidden Agenda by Dana Feagin

    Jennifer Flynn-Taboo

     

    36.)  Taboo, Where Being Bad Never Felt So Good by Jennifer Flynn

    Sheila_norgate

     

    37.)  Wistful Thinking by Sheila Norgate

    Jennifer_K_Keller

     

    38.)  Sugar & Spice by Jennifer K. Keller

     

    Jo_Henning

     

    39.)  Rat Dog, Bad Dog by Jo Henning

    Jennifer_Taylor

     

    40.)  Party Girl by Jennifer Stottle Taylor

    Ann_mackenzie
    41.)  Obviously, the Cat Did It by Ann Mackenzie

    Hiromi_motojima

     

    42.)  My Glass! by Hiromi Motojima

    Jan_basil_2

     

    43.)  Harl in Vineyard by Jan Basil

    Jennifer_davis

     

    44.)  Naughty by Jennifer Davis

    Elaine_benson

     

    45.)  Li'l Devil by Elaine Benson

    Angela_Goza

     

    46.)  artwork by Angela Goza

    Kathryn_wronski

     

    47.)  Dog Days by Kathryn Wronski

    Deanna_Leveque

     

    48.)  Naughty Boy by Deanna Leveque

    Heidi_bond

     

    49.)  Feigning Remorse by Heidi Bond

     

    Karla_Cook

     

    50.)  Guilty by Karla K. Cook

    Kait_matthews

     

    51.)  A Spot-on Cab! by Kait Matthews

    Courtney_kelly

     

    52.)  Rowdy Boys by Courtney Kelly

    Susan_sabo

     

    53.)  Bah by Susan Sabo

    Melinda_Dalke

     

    54.)  Stomping Dog by Melinda Dalke

    Kimberly_kalliber

     

    55.)  Omar by Kimberly Kalliber

    Barbara_sharp

     

    56.)  Bad Dog by Barbara Sharp

    Gwendolyn_Nikkels

     

    57.)  Derbyshire by Gwendolyn Nikkels

    Billie-geldreich2

     

    58.)  Cain Dog by Billie Geldreich

    Hector_guerra

     

    59.)  Shame on You! by Hector Guerra

    Jean_Summerville

     

    60.)  Rosy's Trophies by Jean Summerville

    Leah_Graham

     

    61.)  Bad Dog Blues by Leah Graham

    Rachael_Rossman

     

    62.)  Naughty by Rachael Rossman

    Redfern_Lisa

     

    63.)  Oops! by Lisa Redfern

    Terry_starnes

     

    64.)  Who? Us? by Terry Starnes

    Janie_coleman

     

    65.)  Naughty Brian by Janie Coleman

    Robin_spicer

     

    66.)  Twenty-one in Dog Years by Robin Spicer

    Angie_ketelhut

     

    67.)  Shredder Mischief by Angie Ketelhut

    Shannon_murray

     

    68.)  Naughty Ruby by Shannon Murray

    Kathryn_steffen_greenberg

     

    69.)  Mutty Waters by Kathryn Steffen Greenberg

    Lisa_Riehl_Nostrildamus

     

    70.)  Nostrildamus by Lisa Riehl

    Joyce_Danko

     

    71.)  The Rascal is Out!  by Joyce Danko

    Christine_Winship

     

    72.)  Sugar's Busy Day by Christine Winship

    Deb_klenzman

     

    73.)  Walking the Puppy by Deborah Ann Klenzman

    Karen_seydel_2

     

    74.)  Come and Get me, Girls by Karen Seydel

    Nicole_StPierre2

     

    75.)  Fidel by Nicole St. Pierre

    Michelle_Dorr

     

    76.)  Psycho Joe by Michelle Dorr

    Rhonda_skinner

     

    77.)  Wolf  by Rhonda Skinner

    Kathy_Hiserman

     

    78.)  Naughty but Nice by Kathy Hiserman

    Rosemary_parker

     

    79.)  Party Animal by Rosemary Parker

    Phelps_hannah

     

    80.)  Painting Everything Red by Hannah Phelps

    Christine_Throckmorton

     

    81.)  Naughty or Nice? by Christine Throckmorton

    Rebecca_Tiano

     

    82.)  Naughty Mr. Mac By Rebecca Tiano

    Cindy_gray

     

    83.)  Naughty Boys by Cindy Gray

    Rebecca_collins

     

    84.)  Stuffing…What Stuffing? by Rebecca Collins

    Amy_Palermo

     

    85.)  artwork by Amy Palermo

    Megan_webb

     

    86.)  artwork by Megan Webb

    Nikki_solone

     

    87.)  Wilburrrr… by Nikki Solone

    Sharon_Tappa_2

     

     

    88.)  You'll Never Believe What the Cat Did  by Sharon Tappa

    Amy_turner

     

    89.)  Hot Dog and Wine by Amy Turner

    Mylette_welch

     

    90.)  Chicken Thief  by Mylette Welch

    Linda_Raffel

     

    91.)  Not Me by Linda Raffel

    Shirley-zindler

     

    92.)  Tyra Gone Wild by Shirley Zindler

    Kim_Niles

     

    93.)  Naughty Whine Blues by Kim Niles

    David_blake

     

    94.)  Only You by David Blake

    StephanieDavisRae

     

    95.)  Martin by Stephanie Davis Rae

    Susan_Mathias

     

    96.)  Ripe 'n REDdy by Susan Mathias

    Bella_Zee

     

    97.)  Come On In  by Bella Zee

    Chelsea_fedigan

     

    98.)  Bad Lucy!  by Chelsea Fedigan

    Sue_reiten

     

    99.)  artwork by Sue Reiten

    Lorna_Hunt

     

    100.)  artwork by Lorna Hunt

    Rebekah_yusko

     

    101.)  Naughty Spottie by Rebekah Yusko

    CLICK HERE to vote.

     

  • 3rd Annual Wine Label Contest is Naughty

     

    ***CLICK HERE to see the winner!***

     

    Rusty

     

    Rusty by Kimberly Kelly Santini, winner of 2010

     

    Dog Art Today and Mutt Lynch Winery, North America's most renowned dog winery, have partnered again this year to host our 3rd Annual Dog Art Wine Label Contest of 2011.  All artists are invited to submit one dog-themed work of art.  This year for the first time we have a theme, "Naughty." 

    The winning entry will be made into a label for Mutt Lynch Winery's limited edition wine (only 500 bottles) that will debut at the winery's Dog Days of Summer event on August 6, 2011.  This annual event includes wine tasting, dog-themed art, and vendor booths to benefit the Healdsbug Animal Shelter.  As always, dogs are welcome.

    The Wine Label Contest winner will receive one case of the rare and exclusive wine, a featured spotlight on Dog Art Today, and an invitation to attend the Dog Days of Summer at Mutt Lynch Winery in Healdsburg, California (travel and accommodations not included.)

    NOTE:  We have a significant rules change: voting will be one computer, one vote.

    Contest Rules

    Overview: One entry per person.  Artwork must feature at least one dog.   You may submit a title for the wine, but DO NOT include words, letters, or any writing on the actual artwork, that information will be added by the label designer, Rae Huestis.  (Note: Mutt Lynch Winery wines are known for their clever wordplay.  Click here to see examples.)

    You must have complete ownership of the copyright.

    Entrants from the United States and Canada only.

    Theme "Naughty"

    Wine Description:  Once again, winemaker Brenda Lynch has decided to create a red blended from her finest barrels of Cabernet, what she calls a "Muttitage."  Only 500 bottles of this rare and exclusive wine will be produced with the winning label on it.  10% of sales will benefit the Healdsburg Animal Shelter.

    Size:

    • Artwork should be approximately 8" x 8"
    • It does not have to be a square.  It can be a vertical or horizontal rectangle.
    • Submit low resolution 72 DPI for the contest.  But if you win, you will need to submit a high resolution image of 300 DPI.

    Medium: Paintings or drawings.  No photographs or photographic images used in the piece.  NO WORDS OR LETTERS ON THE ARTWORK.

    Format: JPEG minimum 72 DPI.  Please title the JPEG with your first and last name, example:  moira_mclaughlin.jpg.   **Important** If you win, a 300 DPI image will be required.

    Application: submit the Word Document (download from the link below) with all information completed and the word "YES" in the release box.  The release includes permission to alter your artwork to create the label, and permits reproduction of it on t-shirts, promotional items, and artwork that will be sold to raise money for the Healdsburg Animal Shelter.

    Download Application Document

     

    Submission deadline:  Friday, May 13, 2011, midnight PST.  Email JPEG (titled with your first and last name, i.e. moira_mclalughlin.jpg) and completed Word document application to moira@dreamdogsart.com.

     

    Voting Dates and Winner Announcement:

    Monday, May 16 – Saturday May 21, 2011: Dog Art Today readers vote online for their favorite label.  **New this year ** one computer, one vote.

    Monday, May 23, 2011: Top 10 announced.

    Wednesday, May 25, 2011: The winner, selected by judges from the top 10 finalists, will be announced. 

    August 6, 2011: The wine label will be revealed at the Mutt Lynch Winery Dog Days of Summer event in Healdsburg, CA.

    Prize:  One case of the special release wine featuring your artwork and signed by winemaker Brenda Lynch.  A feature article on Dog Art Today.  An invitation to attend the unveiling of the wine at Mutt Lynch Winery's Dog Days of Summer event in Healdsburg, CA on August 6, 2011.  (Travel and accommodations not included.) 

    Judges:
    Brenda Lynch – winemaker/co-owner of Mutt Lynch Winery
    Rae Huestis – wine label designer
    Moira McLaughlin – Founder of Dog Art Today

  • Order Rusty by December 10

    Rusty_mutt_lynch_wine

     

    I don't think I ever showed you Kimberly Kelly Santini's Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog Art Today winning label on an actual bottle of Rusty.  There were only 96 cases made of this special 'Muttitage' red wine, a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot and 8% Petite Sirah aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Brenda and Chris Lynch describe Rusty this way:

    Aromas of cassis and red berry fruit are framed by youthful tannins and pretty dark chocolate French oak flavors. The wine has a wonderful entry that is both lively and bold. Rusty tastes great now, but is definitely a "keeper" that will soften and grow more complex with some bottle age.

    Dreamy wine with a gorgeous award-winning label, and a story of dog love that spans generations — read about the real Rusty here — the perfect gift for the dog-art-wine lover in your life.  Especially since 10% of sales go to the SF SPCA.

    Chris informs me that if you live outside of California, place your order before December 10 to ensure delivery before Christmas.

    Visit Mutt Lynch Winery to see more dog art inspired wines.  Highly recommend!

    P.S. The Rusty label was designed by Rae Huestis.

    P.P. S. Visit Kimberly Kelly Santini's website to see more of her work.

  • Kimberly Kelly Santini on Rusty and 1000 Other Dogs

    Kimberly_kelly_santini_rusty

    Rusty by Kimberly Kelly Santini

    This Saturday, August 14, Mutt Lynch Winery will celebrate their Dog Days of Summer event and unveil the wine they've paired with Kimberly Kelly Santini's winning entry in our 2010 Wine Label Contest.  When Brenda Lynch (winemaker), Rae Huestis (label designer), and I (Moira McLaughlin, Dog Art Today founder) selected Rusty as the champion, we had no idea that for a bad dog who died more than 30 years ago, this would mean redemption.  We also had no idea the depth of commitment Kimberly Kelly Santini has made to art, animals, and an online community of painters since before most of us ever heard the word blog.  Here is my interview with her:

    Describe your inspiration in creating Rusty

    Rusty had been my grandfather's dog back when I was a child.  My grandfather passed away very suddenly this spring, which brought the Kelly family together from all over the country.  Many great stories surfaced at his funeral and mountains of photos were shared.  The stories always involved Rusty being outrageously bad, yet getting away with it, a testament to how much my grandfather, a strict disciplinarian, loved him.

    The family photos were mostly grainy black and whites with Rusty being an inch or two high, or they were horridly faded Polaroids — not the sort of material I was comfortable creating a painting from.  But Rusty seemed like great fodder for a collage.  And a collage could be a solid design concept for the label.  I also liked the idea of a red dog highlighting a red wine.   It seemed like a good fit all around.

    Rusty and Grandpa 1969

    Rusty and Gerald Kelly, Kimberly's grandfather


    Does Rusty know he is a celebrity?
    (note: this was before I saw the photos)

    Rusty passed away some 30+ years ago.  But the Kelly family has embraced the idea of him being on the Mutt Lynch wine label.  My aunt declared that he had finally done something right!!  And I'm looking forward to sharing a glass of Rusty wine with my grandmother and listening to more stories about the family.

    Rusty Kelly, 1968_2

    Bad dog finally makes good

    You mentioned this painting/collage method is new for you.  What inspired you to try something different?

    I have led children's workshops on collage and mixed media, but tried to keep that process simple, using photographs, magazine clippings, and other items.  We would work with things like a photograph of a dog's head with a tiara cut out of a magazine collaged over newspaper and tissue, creating a basic accumulation of images that, when coupled together, told a story.  I looked at a lot of other collage artists as part of building the curriculum for my workshop, with one of my personal favorites being Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson who uses paper bits to shade and mold her subject.

    With each workshop I fell more in love with the collage process.  I wanted to explore possibilities outside of the classroom, incorporate my own painted papers, play with texture and allow the collaged materials to mold the form, carry the details and tell a story.  Rusty was the perfect subject for this experimentation.

    This year you will paint your 1000th dog in your Dog a Day series.  How did you get started and how do you stay committed?

    I started Painting a Dog a Day back in October of 2006 and thought I'd stick with it for a year or so.  It was intended to be my own personal window where I could paint just for me.  As a commission artist, one who works primarily life-sized or larger to client specifications, I knew that painting just for myself would feed my muse and keep my creativity strong, even if it were just for an hour a day on littler paintings.  I never expected the project to take on a life of it's own, but that's what it did.

    It's not that hard to stay committed to it, and it helps that I thoroughly love my job.  There are days when I'd rather be doing something else.  But I have a deep connection with the paint, and when I stand at my easel (even on a day when I'd rather be playing hookey), those reservations melt away and I become absorbed in the painting at hand. 

    But I also work hard at keeping my muse alive by trying new things (like collage!), getting out and looking at great art in person, working with children (talk about inspiration!!), volunteering in my community and mentoring emerging artists. 
    And there is nothing like sharing that rush of emotion when a client holds their painting for the first time.  I revel in the moment, knowing that only I could have delivered this cherished painting to them.  And then I get right back to work, planning and building for the next portrait.

    Kimberly_kelly_santini_book_1
    Kimberly_kelly_santini_book_2

    Kimberly's paintings are compiled into two books available at blurb

    Tell me about you upcoming solo show at Best Friends Animal Society in Utah.

    Back in 2007 when the daily paintings were relatively new, Best Friends Magazine (Best Friends Animal Society's monthly publication) did a feature article on my artwork.  This exposure was formative in creating the early core of the Dog a Day community – a group of collectors, artists, animal advocates and all around amazing people that now numbers over 1000.  It seemed especially meaningful to be invited, three years later, to hang my work in the heart of the Best Friends Animal Society.

    The show, which opens August 27 and runs until October 15, is titled "Happily Ever Afters."   This is my first solo exhibition comprised entirely of daily paintings.  My muses were especially selected because they were each rescued themselves.  The paintings will be accompanied with real life stories of other animals who found their own "Happily Ever Afters."  I want the show to convey names, faces, and unforgettable details of a population that is forgotten, discarded, and treated unfairly.

    Here are some paintings that will be included:

    Atira 500at

    Atira

    Brothers 500at72

    Brothers

    Tribute-dog-collar 500at72

    Tribute

    Tangles 500at72

    Tangles

    After winning the Mutt Lynch – Dog Art Today contest and mounting your first solo show this year, is this a new level for you as an artist?

    They are definitely key moments, specific points where I can reminisce upon my journey to date.  However, I view each new day as a turning point – an opportunity for me to pick up my paintbrush, go a little further as an artist and a compassionate person.
     
    I love my life.

    And we love your art as much as your creative spirit, your drive, and your inspiration, Kimberly.  Congratulations!

    For more on Kimberly Kelly Santini:

    Studio
    Daily Paintings
    Originals & Limited Editons
    Prints & Notecards

    Mutt Lynch Winery's Dog Days of Summer:

    Date: August 14, 2010

    Time:  11:00am – 5:00pm

    Cost: $10.00
    (100% admission fees  and 10% of sales benefit the SF SPCA)
    Location: 602 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg, CA 95448
    Dogs are welcome

    To order a bottle or case of Rusty click here.

    Cheers!

  • Mutt Lynch’s 6th Annual Dog Days of Summer 2010

    Mutt_lynch_dog_days_summer

    Don’t forget that Mutt Lynch Winery’s Dog Days of Summer event is Saturday, August 14, 2010 from 11 am to 5 pm.  At noon, Rusty, the wine inspired by this year’s Dog Art Today – Mutt Lynch Wine Label Contest winning artwork by Kimberly Kelly Santini, will be introduced.  Admission to the open house is $10 and dogs are welcome and encouraged to attend.  All entrance fees and 10% of wine sales will benefit the San Francisco SPCA.

    If you won’t be able to attend (unfortunately, like me this year), you can pre-order your supply of Rusty through Mutt Lynch Winery’s website here.  Mutt Lynch owner, Chris Lynch, describes his winemaker wife Brenda’s Rusty creation as a ‘”Muttitage” of predominately Cabernet Sauvignon with some
    wonderful additions of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah.  Very limited in
    production, this wine comes from our very best French Oak barrels and is
    a one-of-a-kind red wine blend we believe is worthy of a very special
    dog painting and wine label.” 

    Mutt Lynch Winery considers itself THE most dog friendly winery in the world.  I attended the event last year, and I totally agree.  They are located at 602 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg, CA. 

    Click here for more information.

  • Kimberly Kelly Santini Wins 2010 Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog Art Today Contest

    Kimberly_kelly_santini_rusty

    Rusty by Kimberly Kelly Santini

    Congratulations Kimberly Kelly Santini, this year's winner of the Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog Art Today Wine Label Contest. Winemaker, Brenda Lynch, label designer, Rae Huestis, and I are thrilled that this soulful piece will grace the bottle of an exclusive bottle of red to be released at this year's Dog Days of Summer event in Healdsburg, Sonoma, CA on August 14, 2010.  The wine will simply be called "Rusty" and 10% of proceeds will benefit the SFPCA.

    Kimberly will win a case of wine, tickets to the event, and a profile on Dog Art Today.  We love "Rusty" and can't wait to taste his namesake.  Thank you again, to all the artists who entered.   We look forward to seeing you next year.

  • VOTE for the 2010 Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog Art Today Wine Label Contest

    Please scroll down and view all 77 entries.  Then CLICK HERE to cast your vote.
    {Voting ends May 25 at noon PST.  The Top 10 will be announced on May 27.}

    Belly rub3
    1.) “Belly Rub” by Kit Cutting

    Riehl, Lisa - The Nose Knows

    2.)  “The Nose Knows” by Lisa Riehl

    PaintthetownREDrandiheimert
    3.) “Paint the Town RED” by Randi Heimert
    Winey_dog
    4.) “Such a Winey Dog” by April Murphy
    Simone_Guimaraes
    5.) “Lucky” by Simone Guimaraes
    Melisa_hicks
    6.) “Untitled” by Melisa Hicks

    Katherine_Spiering
    7.) “Dog with Bone” by Katherine Spiering

    Carolyn_anne_anderson
    8.) “Return to Gaia” by Carolyn Anne Anderson

    Cyndra_bradford
    9.) “Esther Brown” by Cyndra Bradford
    Jennifer Flynn-Taboo

    10.) “Where Being Bad Never Felt So Good” by Jennifer Flynn
    Kristin_bauer
    11.) “Sarah & Pickle” by Kristin Bauer
    Kimberly_suda_blake
    12.) “Libby Shiraz Suda-Blake” by Kimberly A. Sauda-Blake
    Robert-Amaral
    13.) “Stuart” by Robert Amaral
    RobKaz
    14.) “Tail Wagger” by Rob Kaz
    Nikki solone
    15.) “Doggedly Faithful” by Nikki Solone
    Lauri_luck
    16.) “Lucy and Pete” by Lauri Luck
    Kim_meyer
    17.) “Sally the Bull Dog” by Kim Meyer
    Corene Kendrick
    18.) “Mila at the Beach” by Corene Kendrick
    Kavita_ramani
    19.) “Fred” by Kavita Ramani
    Kelly Page
    20.) “Misty Blue” by Kelly Page
    Pat Saunders White
    21.) “Keef” by Pat Saunders-White
    Carol_nesbitt_iyer
    22.) “Greyt Dreams” by Carol Lynn Nesbitt

    Laurel_Davar
    23.) “Jake” by Laurel Davar
    Judith_ogus
    24.) “Bull Mutt” by Judith Ogus
    FerrisCook
    25.) “Honey” by Ferris Cook

    Lesley Zoromski

    26.) “‘Wine’maraner” by Lesley Zoromski

    Kait_matthews

    27.) “Happiness is a Best Friend and a Bottle of Mutt Lynch Wine” by Kait Matthews

    LauraLannon_post
    28.) “Link” by Laura Lannon

    Michael_jurogue_johnson

    29.) “Dancing Poodles” by Michael Jurogue Johnson

    Karen Van Welden-Herman

    30.) “Mike, Sheri, and Jake of Shawsheen Village Liquors” by Karen Van Welden-Herman

    Barkuss

    31.) “Barkus, the Dog-gonest God of Wine” by Char Banach Caudill

    Lori_rowe

    32.) “Sky’s Harvest Night” by Lori Rowe

    Red Ball by Jaime Ellsworth

    33.) “Red Ball” by Jaime Ellsworth

    Vicky_kaseorg

    34.) “Unleash the Wild Grape” by Vicky Kaseorg

    Judy Brown Fletcher

    35.) “Swissy Missy” by Judy Brown Fletcher

    Mylette-

    36.)” Monkey Business” by Mylette Welch

    Megan Newcomb

    37.) “Wired Weimaraner” by Megan Newcomb

    Sarah_haywood

    38.) “Bully” By Sarah Haywood

    Christineplantenga
    39.) “Rescue” by Christine Plantenga
    Janet_burt
    40.) “Multi-breed Mashup” by Janet Stanton Burt

    Ruth_chase
    41.) “Holy Horace” by Ruth Chase

    Kathryn_wronski
    42.) “Red Nose Wine” by Kathryn Wronski

    Lisa_rydell
    43.) “Jimmy Waitin” by Lisa Rydell

    Joe.Loehle
    44.) “Drawing” by Joe Loehle

    Karla_Smith
    45.) “Charlie’s Nose Finds the Scent” by Karla J. Smith

    Angieketelhut
    46.) “Kaiba” by Angie Ketelhut

    Corinne Humphrey
    47.) “Rudy’s Red” by Corinne Humphrey

    Dawn Secord
    48.) “Bona-Fido Red” by Dawn Secord

    Jean Glaser
    49.) “Quintessential Canine” by Jean Glaser

     

    Robin_levy_post

    50.) “Twisp” by Robin Levy

    DanaFeaginlowresimage
    51.) “Wide Eyed Red” by Dana Feagin

    Jocelyn_audette

    52.) “Zachary in the Mustard” by Jocelyn Audette

     

    Katie_lewis_post

    53.) “Louie Loves Lynch” by Katie Lewis

    Christine Throckmorton_wine label_art
    54.) “Magnificent Mutt” by Christine Throckmorton

    Susan_johnson
    55.) “Lord Jackson – Ruler of All Mouse Minions – King of Muttitage” by Susan Johnson

    Brenda_eschenbacher
    56.) “Red Over Heels” by Brenda Eschenbacher

    Rachel_rossman

    57.) “Chickenbone Jones” by Rachael Rossman

    Jill_perry
    58.) “Untitled” by Jill Perry

    Amelie_marchesseau
    59.) “Laughing from the Pit” by Amelie Marchesseau

    AnneMitchell

    60.) “Thirsty” by Anne Mitchell

    Anneleuckfeldhaus
    61.) “Mixed Breeds” by Anne Leuck Feldhaus

    Nancy_schutt

    62.) “Pia Never Bites, Only Loves” by Nancy Schutt

    Maria_Zaretskaia
    63.) “Wining Around” by Maria Zaretskaia

    Chelsea fedigan
    64.) “Billy the Bully” by Chelsea Fedigan

    ShariSherman
    65.) “Home Is Where Your Mutt Is” by Shari Sherman

    Jo_sanders
    66.) “Massive Acid Dog Attack” by Jo Sanders

    Hollyce_jeffriess
    67.) “Yes, I Would Like Some Cheese with my Wine!” by Hollyce Jeffriess

    Rhonda_skinner
    68.) “Boozer with Ball” by Rhonda Skinner

    Bethany Drogula
    69.) “Pooch-edelick Blend” by Bethany Drogula

    Natalya_zahn
    70.) “The Great Barrel-chested Red” by Natalya Zahn

    Suzanne Kasiewicz
    71.) “Vintage Dog Year” by Suzanne Kasiewicz

    Gary Ellis
    72.) “The Anchor” by Gary Ellis

    Cheryl_snyder
    73.) “Dogs by the Glass” by Cheryl Snyder

    Jennifer_belair

    74.) “Dog of Wine” by Jennifer Belair

    Frank_zio
    75.) “Big Brown Happy Dog” by Frank Zio

    Kimberly Santini
    76.) “Rusty” by Kimberly Kelly Santini
    Katy_brack

    77.) “American Girl” by Katy Brack

    CLICK HERE to cast your vote.